{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/FCOEQqzI.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2023-24 season with a new-look third line that has potential to become one of the best in the league.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/FCOEQqzI-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FCOEQqzI.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FCOEQqzI.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 324522, "filesize": 3894266, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 446559, "filesize": 5358712, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1265384, "filesize": 15184619, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113683, "filesize": 1364200 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 455993, "filesize": 5471920, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FCOEQqzI-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 778590, "filesize": 9343085, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Everyone knew heading in that the opening game of the season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks was going to be a big deal." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "From the moment the schedule was released, the Penguins and Blackhawks knew it was going to be more than just an average season opener." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The main draw for the game was the NHL debut of rookie sensation Connor Bedard going against the old guard of the sport in Sidney Crosby." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "With 18,411 on hand at PPG Paints Arena, the viewing audience for the game broke multiple records." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "According to sportsmediawatch.com, the Bedard debut pulled in 1.43 million viewers on ESPN." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Excluding Winter Classic games, the opening contest between the Penguins and Blackhawks is now the most viewed regular season game ever broadcast on cable." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The previous leader was Mario Lemieux’s return game between the Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs in 2000 which grabbed 1.36 million viewers, also on ESPN." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "1.43 million viewers also makes it the most watched season-opening contest ever broadcast; the previous leader was the Penguins against the Tampa Bay Lightening on ESPN in 2021" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "More than just the Bedard debut against his childhood hero, the Penguins had multiple storylines to follow along with themselves." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Erik Karlsson made his official debut with the team and it was the first regular season Penguins game with Kyle Dubas in charge in the front office." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Thanks to the massive numbers pulled in by the Penguins and Blackhawks, the NHL saw a 40% increase in opening night viewership from last year with each game averaging 909,000 viewers." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins See Defensive Skills in Erik Karlsson" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Aging Penguins Rivalry Based in Respect Over Hate" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins vs. Capitals: Rivalry Renewed" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Lars Eller Ready for New Side of Penguins, Capitals Rivalry" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Head Coach Focus on This Season, Not Last Season" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Opener Breaks Multiple Viewership Records